SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS Returns to Cincinnati Playhouse 11/7

They're back! The SanctifiEd Sanders Family Singers return to the CincinnatiPlayhouse in the Park to celebrate the holidays with faith, family and old-fashioned fun. This heavenly evening of laughter and music begins public previews on November 7 and continues through December 31. It's Christmas Eve in 1941.

The Depression is coming to a close, but 18 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the threat of war has just begun. World War II provides the dramatic underpinning to the story of a family living in the rural town of Mount Pleasant, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

They are about to say a bittersweet goodbye to their only son, who is shipping out with the Marine Corps. But before he goes, the Sanders Family Singers are heading up the annual Christmas celebration at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe (who works part-time at the local pickle plant) and the Sanders family attempt to raise the spirits of their faithful flock (the audience) in a rousing and energetic Christmas gospel sing-along of cherished holiday hymns and carols.

There's Uncle Stanley; thefamily's patriarch, Burl, and his Scripture-quoting wife, Vera; the twins Dennis and Denise and their sister June (she doesn't sing, she signs).Conceived and directed by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray, SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS: MORE SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN is a nostalgic comedy set to music and the second of three installments of the Sanders family's life. The original Smoke on the Mountain, one of the most popular Shelterhouse productions, was produced at The Playhouse in the Park in both 1993 and 2001. 

Its sequel, SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS: MORE SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, was part of The Playhouse's 40 th season in 1999. SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING rounded out the season in 2007. In addition to the trilogy of SMOKE shows, Alan Bailey directed The Playhouse productions of SQUEEZE BOX and SHAKESPEARE'S R&J . Regionally, he has directed at theatres including McCarter Theatre Center, Pasadena Playhouse, Denver Center Theatre Companyand Goodspeed Musicals, among many others. Mr. Bailey is a five-time undefeated JEOPARDY champion.Connie Ray is best known for writing and starring in NBC's THE TORKELSONS . Her other works include BETSY LOVES SNAPBEANS , CATFISH LOVES ANNA , HURTLING THROUGHSPACE and VANILLA TRIPLETS .

In addition, shehas appeared in the films FLAGS OF OURFATHERS ,THANK YOU FOR SMOKING , ABOUT SCHMIDT and STUART LITTLE .Returning to this season's production are several SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN veterans including David Hemsley Caldwell, who has portrayed Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe in each of The Playhouse's four productions as well as throughout the country. In addition to Caldwell, Tommy Hancock will return, playing Burl Sanders for the first time, Tess Hartman returns in the role of June Sanders and BobbyTaylor returns to play Stanley Sanders. New to The Playhouse cast is Christopher Marchant, playing the role of Dennis Sanders, Maryruth Barnett as Denise Sanders and Rhonda Coullet playing the role of Vera Sanders.

Special Performances Meet the Artists These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.2 p.m. Sunday, November 152 p.m. Sunday, November 227:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 258 p.m. Thursday, December 10 Dining Options Karlo's Bistro at The Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinnersinclude salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $27. Karlo's Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show.

Options include salads, sandwiches, soups,pasta and desserts. No reservations are required. Sponsors Production Sponsor:Honoring the brave men and women in our armed forces who serve here and abroad.Design Sponsor:The Geiler CompanyArtist Sponsor:Cincinnati Coin LaundryHonorary Producers: Judith and David MorganThe 2009-2010 Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre Series is presented byHeidelberg Distributing Co.The Shelterhouse Season Design Sponsor isLarry and Rhonda Sheakley Family Foundation

The production's artistic team consists of the show's co-conceiver and director Alan Bailey, who has helmed all four of the previous incarnations of SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN at The Playhouse. Other members include Peter Harrison (Set Designer), Jeanette de Jong (CostumeDesigner) and Susan Terrano (Lighting Designer).

The Production Stage Manager is Jenifer Morrow and Stage Manager is Jamie LynneSullivan. Prices for SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS: MORE SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN rangefrom $45-$70, depending on day and seat location. All tickets are $45 for the preview performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 7; 7 p.m. Sunday, November 8; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 10; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 11.

Special pricing for December 31. The official opening night is Thursday, November 12 at 8 p.m. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets to SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS: MORE SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN are on sale now. For more information, call The Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Call 513/345-2248 forTDD accessibility. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourageeconomic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation

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